Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the newly established NIHR Sussex Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) as a Communications and Engagement Manager.
The centre, which is one of 21 being set up across the UK as part of a £100 million government investment, will enhance the speed and efficiency of commercial clinical research, providing more people in Sussex with access to cutting-edge treatments.
The CRDC Communications and Engagement Manager is a key role within the team providing the Research and Innovation (R&I) Department and Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) with creative, impactful and consistent communications.
The post holder will lead on communications for the CRDC and the Trust’s research and innovation department, highlighting and promoting health, translational and clinical research trials taking place within the Sussex CRCD and Trust. This is a key role in raising the research profile of the Trust and Sussex region, encouraging inclusive research participation, increasing commercial research activity and income and attracting regional life sciences investment.
UHSussex is pleased to have secured external funding for the role of Sussex CRDC Communications and Engagement Manager.
Main duties of the job
The CRDC Communications and Engagement Manager will provide sound, expert advice and input from a general communications and engagement perspective to enable delivery of the strategic aims and objectives of the Trust’s research and innovation ambition and the Sussex CRDC.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of national, regional and specialist media alongside considerable experience of proactive and reactive media relations and issues management. They will have significant experience of working in the communications and engagement field and proven track record of delivery, including stakeholder engagement.
The ability to work flexible hours independently and with a hybrid office model and travel across the Sussex region is required.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Reporting to the Head of Content (Communications and Engagement Department), the CRDC Communications and Engagement Manager will provide sound, expert advice and input from a general communications and engagement perspective to enable delivery of the strategic aims and objectives of the Trust’s research and innovation ambition and the Sussex CRDC.
The CRDC Communication and Engagement Manager will:
·Responsible for the day-to-day implementation of marketing and communications strategies across the CRDC (web, print, advertising, promotional materials, social media, etc).
·Develop and maintain NIHR Sussex CRDC website and other related web assets, leading both design and content.
·Develop and maintain marketing and communications strategies for research content, for both internal and external audiences.
·Review regularly the publications and web-presence of other relevant organisations.
·Liaise with NIHR and CRDC communications teams and be responsible for reporting relevant outputs to the central team.
·Co-ordinate the design, content and production of core research publications, for example quarterly newsletters, stakeholder updates, patient information leaflets, web pages, annual reports, strategic plans etc.
·Meet regularly with UHSussex R&I and CRDC leads and researchers to proactively identify content and stories for our channels.
·Be the first point of contact for research active UHSussex staff and key stakeholders who are considering producing their own research-related materials, and managing this process to ensure consistency of brand, image and messages in publication.
·Oversee and develop branded assets to promote the Sussex CRDC and research infrastructure.
·Oversee all internal communications activities for research staff, partners and stakeholders.
·Provide expert advice on communication strategies for specific projects, including the launch of new research trials.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
1. •Educated to post graduate degree level or able to demonstrate significant equivalent knowledge, skills and experience of working at a similar level in the areas of communications, marketing, PR or journalism.
2. •Significant experience of working in the communications and engagement field and proven track record of delivery, including stakeholder engagement
3. •Strong understanding of national, regional and specialist media alongside considerable experience of proactive and reactive media relations and issues management.
4. •Experience of delivering a communications strategy and developing creative and innovative campaigns.
5. •Evidence of successful leadership, management and engagement across organisational and geographical boundaries to facilitate collaborative working.
6. •Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage budgets and deliver projects to deadline.
7. •Ability to network and build relationships at all levels, including liaison and negotiation skills
8. •Proven experience of promoting the use social and digital media to communicate with key audiences
Desirable criteria
9. •Professional or postgraduate qualification in public relations, marketing communications or journalism
10. •Experience of developing and implementing public awareness campaigns
11. •Excellent understanding of the key issues facing the NHS and social care and commercial clinical research/life sciences industries.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
12. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
13. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications